A Previous Engagement

I cannot disagree more than with the comment that Melius from Toronto posted regarding this movie. I laughed out-loud during many of the scenes and felt the bittersweet sadness of other parts of the story. While on vacation when I was much younger, I met someone whom I liked very much and we had a definite chemistry, but we prevented it from going too far at the time. The last thing the person said to me was, "I know one day, might be 30 years from now, but one day, are paths will cross and we will meet again". With the internet, I know this person has a dental practice and is living in Maine. I can completely understand what would motivate the main character in this film to seek out the person she felt was her one true love. I liked this movie so much that I am right now seeing if the DVD is available for sale because I would like to own a copy.

The script had promise. Any other praise for this movie has to come only from those involved in trying to sell this sad attempt at movie making. This must be one of the worst films I ever saw. The actors, at least the two that could act, floundered in mediocre sets, mediocre supporting cast and worse of all, a mediocre direction that could not be worse had it been directed by a blind director. There is no idea of pacing, composition, and anything else that could have led the actors to abandon their over acted hysterics and try to inject some believable interpretation to the characters. There were a couple of laughs but I think it was the result of embarrassment rather than genuine comedy. This film was shot in the island of Malta and in particular the old medieval city of Mdina. Well, they might as well have shot it on a back lot in Hampstead Heath. There was absolutely no feel for the imposing scenery that is there for the taking. I'll stop this review here for there is a lot more misery to mention and I have already lost too much effort on this movie. I'm just angry at having wasted money and time on this film. If you ever come across it on TV, RUN!

A Previous Engagement is Juliet Stevenson's best performance since Truly Madly Deeply. Juliet heads up a great cast in this well written and well crafted Intelligent comedy. Daniel Stern is marvelous as the unsuspecting husband taken on vacation to Malta under false pretences. This film will make you laugh and cry, with some of the funniest lines coming during moments of great pathos. The Maltese setting is luxurious to watch, but does not detract from the personal dramas being played out before us. This film is not your average Romantic Comedy although it fits the bill very well. It is a classy drama which will speak volumes to people who find their children grown and are maybe looking at their lives and wondering how they got where they are and ask "Is this it"? The fact that it is also very funny is the icing on the cake and will make the film appeal to a wide audience. If you watch this, you won't forget it.

super cool, romantic movie. Daniel Stern always one of my favourites from the days of Home Alone even. I love to see him in roles like this, extending his acting reach. And Claire Brosseau, who is a relative newcomer to me is gorgeous and quite the talent! I witnessed her amazing talent in Marion Bridge and love to see that it has carried on her in Previous Engagement. It's no easy to transcend live theatre talent onto the big screen, But Claire Brosseau has managed to do so with this latest character. I recommend this movie to couples, singles, even triples if you so see fit. It will make you happy, sad, cry and laugh....although that could just have been my emotional roller-coaster happening ;)

I have the strong suspicion that everyone here who gave this movie a positive review is in some way or the other affiliated with the producers, actors or has a share in the profits.

And furthermore, although I am unable to provide evidence of this either, I have the strong suspicion all of the cast and crew were in it just because they wanted to spend time on Malta while getting paid for it.

I don't want to waste much time or many words on this one, but I want to call your attention to the review by @Melius. Although a one star rating seems a little harsh (I am saving the one star rating for movies supporting seal hunting or puppy torture) he has it absolutely right. I have no explanation for the dominance of positive reviews and the only reason I am writing about this epic fail of a movie is to contribute to a certain balance in user reviews.

This movie should be shown in film classes to demonstrate how to ruin a good idea by

a) terrible directing

b) over the top acting (what is wrong with those people praising the performances???)

and c) a terrible, terrible, terrible script.

The people in it don't behave like real people. It's the first time I was so aggressive watching a movie I wanted to punch the characters in the face. And I have seen Transformers 3. It doesn't feel like a movie after all, but... I don't know. I don't know, because the vast stupidity of "A Previous Engagement" sucked my brains out.